The rich traditions of West African textiles use a wide range of proverbial symbols and beautiful patterns to convey cultural, social, political and personal messages. This is the starting point for Nicci Wilson’s attractive and unusual book exploring the history, cultural identity and textiles techniques of Mali, Ghana, Nigeria and Benin.

She covers five techniques: applique, resist dye, block printing, mud painting and weaving. With details of materials and equipment and step-by-step making instructions, these guides provide teachers with stimulating resources for curriculum enrichment at primary and secondary levels and in out-of-school workshops.

Some lovely colour photos are designed to be photocopied for a range of group activities. The final section, “Textiles and Global Issues”, explores topical citizenship issues; each is linked to a textile and an art activity. The bibliography provides useful references, resources and websites.

This refreshing book gives teachers and youth workers a creative way of introducing global citizenship issues through enjoyable art activities.

Roz Reyburn is an education consultant for design and technology